Alabama had more than 100 wildfires in the last week; state urges caution

View full sizeIn this Aug. 3, 2011, file photo, a brush truck from Athens is dwarfed by the columns of smoke rising from a field fire near Tanner High School in Limestone County, Alabama. The Alabama Forestry Commission on Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, said that more than 100 wildfires have been reported in the past week and officials are urging caution in the use of fire given continued dry conditions in the state. (AP Photo/The Decatur Daily, Gary Cosby Jr.)

MONTGOMERY, Alabama — The Alabama Forestry Commission says more than 100 wildfires in the last week have burned nearly 1,800 acres across the state.

State Forester Linda Casey is asking that people use "extreme caution" with all outdoor fires as dry weather persists across the state. She said the fires can spread out of control quickly and will destroy forestland, threaten lives and endanger homes.

Alabama law mandates that anyone wanting to burn woodland, grassland, field or wood debris large than one-quarter acre get a permit.